Sometimes Always Monsters is a narrative-driven indie RPG that serves as a direct sequel to the cult classic *Always Sometimes Monsters*. Released on PC on April 2, 2020, this title flips the script on its predecessor by placing the player in the role of a successful author who has everything: a spouse, a best-selling book, and stability. Yet, beneath the surface of this comfortable life, dissenting voices whisper that you are a monster, manipulative and unrepentant. The game invites you to explore the carefree downhill slide that often follows a great climb, challenging perceptions of success and morality.
Genre and Gameplay Mechanics
Blending elements of a visual novel with life-simulation mechanics, Sometimes Always Monsters offers a unique departure from traditional RPG combat. You embark on a bus tour to promote your latest work, accompanied by a hand-selected fellowship of authors. This group acts as your daily companions, influencing your journey as you explore city stops and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
The gameplay emphasizes freedom and consequence over a rigid linear path. Players are encouraged to engage in a wide array of daily activities crafted on RPG Maker, including cooking, exercising, cleaning, and interacting with background details. While the narrative focuses on moral dilemmas and the test of friendship and forgiveness, the game allows for significant exploration. Reviews indicate that the lack of map markers and handholding means players can legitimately avoid the main story, making the experience highly player-driven and open-ended.
Story and Setting: The Downfall of Success
Sometimes Always Monsters acts as a thematic mirror to its predecessor. Where the original game followed a struggling author trying to win back a lost love, this sequel begins with the protagonist married and successful. The setting shifts from the desperate trek across the country to the confines of a bus tour and the inner circle of the literary world.
The narrative explores the "sordid" aftermath of achieving one's dreams. As you navigate your newfound life, you must decide if the success you've earned is well-deserved or if the whispers of your detractors hold truth. The game is designed to be a reflection of the first installment, with many parallels but opposite emotional tones. Everything about the setup has been turned on its head to provide a familiar experience with a very different range of emotions.
Notable Features and Platform
Available on PC, Sometimes Always Monsters was released on April 2, 2020. Key features include:
- Full Save Import: Import save data from the original game to influence the narrative, character relationships, and story continuity in the sequel.
- Companion Dynamics: Travel with a rotating group of authors whose friendships and conflicts are put to the test throughout the tour.
- Open-Ended Simulation: Engage in a wide variety of life-sim activities, from minigames to daily maintenance tasks, allowing players to define their own routine.
- Moral Ambiguity: Face difficult choices that challenge your sense of morality and determine the ultimate outcome of your journey.
Who Should Play Sometimes Always Monsters?
This title appeals to players who crave deep narrative experiences and meaningful choice within the RPG genre. Fans of the original Always Sometimes Monsters will find a rich continuation that rewards their previous investment through save imports. Additionally, those who enjoy character-driven stories, moral ambiguity, and the exploration of the darker side of success will find Sometimes Always Monsters to be a compelling, albeit challenging, journey. It is ideal for gamers who prefer role-playing through decision-making and interaction over action-oriented gameplay.
